South Africa’s Ngala Tented Camp

Regular readers will know that I periodically feature African safari lodges where I have stayed, or in areas I am familiar with. Some are admittedly high end and expensive, but others are more economical like the huge range of SANParks offerings. The one featured here is in the former category, in common with most private lodges.

Nestled between the dense riverine forest and the sandy bed of the Timbavati River, Ngala Tented Camp is ideally positioned on a private concession within the highly acclaimed Kruger National Park. I have been fortunate enough to visit several of the reserves in this general area and further information on it can be found here.

Safaris are led by expert andBeyond-trained ranger and tracker teams, that ensure sensitive off-road practices to allow close-up sightings of elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion and leopard (the Big Five), as well as the elusive African wild dog or painted dog and more. Some of my own sightings of all of these animals are pictured above and below.

The African Wild Dog: Not the best shot but they make it very difficult to get good photos.

Chic and contemporary, Ngala Tented Camp comprises just nine intimate and luxurious tented suites, providing an exclusive-use option for a large group.

The tents are set on raised platforms and cleverly designed to blend into the riverside trees, minimising the impact on the environment. Each tent has an ensuite bathroom, swirling overhead fan, air conditioning, outdoor bathtubs and showers, snug electric blankets for winter and private expansive wooden decks.

After a six-month closure for an extensive refurbishment, andBeyond Ngala Tented Camp is now welcoming guests back to its strategic location on the banks of the Timbavati River. During the closure, the camp’s design has been updated to provide even more creature comforts, while still retaining its classical tented feel and aura of bush romance.

A new layout and an extended outdoor deck ensure that guest tents are even more spacious, with the addition of secluded outdoor areas. Redesigned bathrooms feature both an indoor and outdoor shower, in addition to an al fresco bathtub. Discrete butler hatches, outdoor screens and redirected pathways add an extra element of tranquillity and privacy.

Similarly, the guest area underwent an extensive transformation to make the most of its spectacular setting above the riverbed, which remains dry through much of the year. Expanded decks with reticulated awnings now provide ample choice for dining options, while the lounge offers the ideal vantage point for guests wishing to spend some leisure time gazing out onto the shaded riverbed.

Much loved by both guests and thirsty wildlife visitors, the camp’s swimming pool has been expanded, together with the surrounding deck. Shady guest salas provide an ideal space for sunbathing or informal poolside dining. The camp’s existing spa has been expanded, and a well-equipped gym has been built to assist with the pursuit of fitness.

Retaining the camp’s elegant balance between traditional and contemporary, the new interiors combine local Shangaan-inspired mid-century silhouettes with regional embroidered designs and textiles, all against the backdrop of its signature granite stone and canvas.

Known and loved for its ample wildlife experiences, which include rarities such as the African wild dog and the area’s famous white lions, the camp is situated in andBeyond Ngala Private Game Reserve, which shares unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park.

The Timbavati is known for its populations of iconic white lions. While there are isolated reports from time to time of white lion sightings in the Kruger National Park – and there are many white lions bred in captivity and semi-captivity both in Africa and abroad – the Timbavati region remains the only known place in the world where wild white lions occur regularly and naturally.

The white colouring is caused by a white, recessive gene which only expresses itself if the gene is inherited from both parents. I’ve never seen one of the white lions but above is a library photo of a splendid male.

Despite the rising costs of safaris and private lodges, demand for this kind of travel experience  is soaring. However, it comes with a new and fast-growing interest in sustainability and eco-tourism, and these need additional funding and contribute to the rising costs. I urge anyone who is interested in the economics and importance of the safari industry to read this National Geographic article.

Lodge photos: andBeyond

White lion: Alain Aubry/Pixabay

Other wildlife photos © Judy Barford